Solar Energy – what is it all about?
Walk down almost any street in Glossop and you’re sure to spot them. It seems photo-voltaic systems are everywhere
these days, especially when you look upwards. We’re talking about solar panels or solar PV to use their correct term.
It’s a very topical subject right now but we were keen to find out how this remarkable technology can benefit us all, our pockets, as well as the environment. We speak to Phil Trelease and Tom Elliott of Solar Peak who, having installed solar PV for domestic and commercial use since 2009, are happy to answer our questions…
How does solar PV work?
In essence, energy from the sun – or photons– penetrate the silicon cells of solar panels installed onto the roof. This creates a d.c. voltage and current which is transformed by an inverter into electricity. The electricity is then fed into the fuse board ready for use, while the total energy produced is measured by a meter.
How can I earn money from Solar PV?
Solar PV is a highly effective method of producing green electricity with huge financial benefits for users. Even a basic 2kWp system can provide approximately 40% of an average home’s electricity each year, with any surplus being fed into the national grid and ‘sold’ to the energy supplier concerned. So as well as reducing your bill, you will actually receive a direct payment from your electricity company.
As well as receiving the FiT payment (43.3p per kWh) for all of the energy the PV system produces and reducing your bills by using the energy yourself, you will also receive a further payment of 3p per kWh for any electricity you don’t use and return to the grid.
Is solar PV kind to the environment?
The short answer is YES. In fact, solar PV is the preferred green technology, attracting the highest level of financial incentives because it is non wasteful. Each system is connected to the grid so, if the home owner who generates the power is not using it, someone else will receive the surplus energy through their grid connection.
Why are more people installing solar PV?
Like anything else, the more familiar a technology becomes, the greater the interest and solar PV is no exception. We are currently seeing an upswing in the number of systems being installed as people are becoming more aware of the technology. They are getting used to seeing systems pop up around the country – and they can see the environmental benefits. Many customers view solar PV as an attractive investment as the returns are much higher than current interest rates similarly it can also make financial sense to borrow the funds, perhaps on a mortgage, for the same reason.
What is a Feed-in Tariff?
Under the government’s Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) scheme, introduced in April 2010, home owners can not only generate their own emissions-free electricity, but for 25 years will also receive an annual payment from their energy supplier of 41.3p per kilowatt hour (This figure is index linked and the current rate is 43.3p for systems upto 4kWp). The FiT programme is currently under review and there is a possibility that the rates could be reduced for new entrants to the scheme from April of next year. Although rates could decrease from April 2012 for new entrants, we believe new levels will still make it extremely attractive as an investment. Of course, the whole rationale behind solar energy is that it makes sense to produce electricity in this sustainable way.
Will solar PV be suitable for my property?
When assessing the suitability of a property, we take into account the direction of the roof and any potential shading. We use very complex computer software that combines shading analysis over the whole year – say, from a large tree – with local climate data over the last twenty years. In this way, we can calculate very accurately the output that a potential system will produce.
At Solar Peak we provide an individual, bespoke installation. We don’t have standard size kits but will always design the optimum system for your roof and offer at least two or more options. Combining this with the client’s budget produces the best solution for the homeowner every time.
How much does it cost?
It all depends on your property. A 2.5 kWp system can be installed for around £10,000 which, offset by FiT payments, and the savings on your electricity bills is an investment with enormous dividends.
Can it work for commercial properties?
The same bespoke service applies to commercial buildings too, such as a recent installation at a school in Reading. In this particular case it was a flat roof and we used a new system of mounting the panels which linked each of the rows together. This reduced the amount of ballast significantly, which is always an issue on a flat roof. When we install a system at a commercial property or school we can monitor the system remotely from our office and very often we install a public display so that the children can see on a daily basis how much energy is being produced and how many tons of CO2 are being saved.
How long has solar PV been on the market?
Although the solar PV industry is relatively new to the UK it is actually well established in other countries. We keep up with the latest technical advances by monitoring the German market in particular, the largest PV market in the world. We attend trade shows in Germany, liaising directly with manufacturers and research and development teams, informing them about our specific needs in the UK.
If the system depends on the sun, what happens when it’s cloudy, this is Glossop after all?
The good news for rain-soaked High Peak dwellers is that solar PV operates on daylight, not direct sunlight, which even in winter is sufficient to generate a significant percentage of average household power each day. So now we can access efficient energy, save money on bills, and protect our planet at the same time.
Sounds like we should all get moving and get into solar PV! As a result of their growing reputation and order book, Solar Peak has been able to expand its operation over the last two years. Phil explains, “We are very passionate about our company and our work, which is why we only use our own staff and do not subcontract. Customers deal directly with me or my partner, Managing Director Tom Elliott who, as a highly qualified electrician and founder of the company, is involved in every installation. By creating opportunities and offering apprenticeships, we can train our workforce to our own exacting standards while providing valuable experience and a career path in return.
Many of the orders Solar Peak receive are due to word of
mouth, so our customers obviously enjoy the personal service
we are able to give – and this is reflected in the very positive feedback we receive.”
If you’d like to know more about solar PV,
contact Phil Trelease or Tom Elliott directly on
01457 869514; or visit www.solarpeak.co.uk
